Murray–Darling Basin Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program

The Murray–Darling Basin Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program is a landmark initiative designed to empower First Nations communities by increasing access to surface water entitlements. This program is vital for restoring cultural connections to Country and addressing the impacts of colonisation on water rights.

With over 50 First Nations communities across the Murray–Darling Basin, water is central to cultural, spiritual, social, and environmental wellbeing. The $100 million program aims to deliver benefits across:

• Cultural – Strengthening connection to Country
• Social – Supporting community engagement
• Economic – Creating opportunities for growth
• Spiritual – Honouring traditions and practices
• Environmental – Promoting sustainable water use

Click here for further information on the Murray–Darling Basin Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program.

Building knowledge and partnerships

WaterNSW is proud to deliver interactive workshops to support Aboriginal communities in learning about and understanding water management in the Murray- Darling Basin. These sessions focus on representation, engagement, and respectful partnerships, providing culturally appropriate tools and information.

Topics covered include:

• Understanding your licence: Legal authority to take and use water - not ownership
• How to order water using the online Water Accounting System (iWAS)
• Compliance with licence conditions and water sharing plans
• Mandatory metering and reporting for most licences
• How allocations change with seasonal inflows
• Why early communication prevents non-compliance issues
• Sustainable water use for cultural and environmental flow